Whale watching is one of the most exhilarating experiences in nature. Breeching and jumping whales are the most exciting. However, when a whale makes a choice to swim up close and personal to you, that can be breathtaking. The best time to go whale watching depends on which geographical part of the world you want to visit.
It is also important to know your whale watching priorities. Are you wanting to witness a specific species of whale?The best time to go whale watching will also depend on the species you want to see. This can also vary by geographical destination.
Let’s explore several of these factors and help you find the ideal time to go see whales.
Best Time to See Whales Based on Geographic Location
There are regions of the world that are known for their whale watching opportunities. Below you can explore the best places to see whales and the best time of year associated with each.
Best Time to go Whale Watching in North America
North America is features a variety of whale-watching opportunities. Some of the iconic destinations to go see whales are found in the northwest, northeast, and southwest.
Alaska Whale Watching
Best Time: May to September
Whale Species: Humpback whales, Orcas (killer whales), Gray whales
Alaska offers some of the most spectacular whale watching opportunities. The prime months are from May to September when humpback whales and orcas migrate to the region to feed on the abundant marine life. June and July are particularly excellent months for whale watching in Alaska.
Seattle Whale Watching
Best Time: April to October
Whale Species: Orcas (killer whales), Humpback whales, Gray whales, Minke whales
Seattle offers fantastic whale watching opportunities in the waters of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. The best time for whale watching in Seattle is from April to October. During this period, you can spot resident and transient orca pods, humpback whales, gray whales during their migration, and minke whales.
New England (Massachusetts and Maine)
Best Time: June to October
Whale Species: Humpback whales, Minke whales, Fin whales, Right whales
New England’s whale watching season typically runs from June to October. Humpback whales are the stars of the show during this period, but you can also spot other species like minke whales, fin whales, and the critically endangered North Atlantic right whales.
California Whale Watching
Best Time: April to October
Whale Species: Gray whales, Blue whales, Humpback whales, Orcas
Details: California offers year-round whale watching opportunities, but the best time varies depending on the species you want to see. Gray whales migrate along the coast from December to April, while blue whales and humpback whales are more commonly seen from May to November. Orcas can be spotted in the area, but their presence is less predictable.
Hawaii Whale Watching
Best Time: December to April
Whale Species: Humpback whales
Hawaii is famous for its humpback whale migrations. These majestic creatures visit Hawaiian waters to breed and give birth. The peak season is from December to April when you can witness the incredible displays of humpback whales leaping out of the water and slapping their tails.
Baja California (Mexico) to See Whales
Best Time: January to March
Whale Species: Gray whales, Humpback whales
Baja California is renowned for its gray whale migrations. The best time to witness this natural spectacle is from January to March when gray whales travel to the area to give birth. You can get up close and personal with these gentle giants during this period.
Best Time to Go Whale Watching in Europe
Iceland Whale Watching
Best Time: June to August
Whale Species: Minke whales, Humpback whales, Orcas, Blue whales
Iceland offers incredible whale watching opportunities during its summer months. From June to August, you can observe minke whales, humpback whales, orcas, and occasionally even blue whales in the waters around Iceland.
Norway Whale Watching
Best Time: May to September
Whale Species: Orcas, Humpback whales, Sperm whales, Minke whales
Norway’s coastline is a popular whale watching destination. The best time for whale watching in Norway is from May to September. During this period, you can see orcas, humpback whales, sperm whales, and minke whales in their natural habitat. The Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, and Andenes are some of the prime locations for whale watching in Norway.
Azores (Portugal) Whale Watching
Best Time: April to October
Whale Species: Sperm whales, Humpback whales, Blue whales, Orcas
The Azores, an archipelago in Portugal, offer remarkable whale watching experiences. The best time for whale watching in the Azores is from April to October. During these months, you can encounter sperm whales, humpback whales, blue whales, orcas, and various dolphin species in the Atlantic waters surrounding the Azores.
Best Time to Go Whale Watching in Africa
South Africa Whale Watching
Best Time: June to November
Whale Species: Southern right whales, Humpback whales
Details: South Africa is an excellent destination for whale watching, particularly along the Western Cape. The best time to see southern right whales and humpback whales is from June to November, with peak sightings occurring from July to September.
Mozambique (Tofo Beach)
Best Time: July to November
Whale Species: Humpback Whales
Tofo Beach in Mozambique is a hidden gem for whale enthusiasts. The best time to visit Tofo Beach for whale watching is from July to November when Humpback Whales migrate along the coastline. These graceful giants can often be spotted breaching and tail-slapping, providing a thrilling spectacle for onlookers.
Madagascar (Ile Sainte-Marie)
Best Time: July to September
Whale Species: Humpback Whales
Ile Sainte-Marie, off the coast of Madagascar, is a haven for Humpback Whales during their breeding season. The best time to visit is from July to September when these whales arrive in the warm waters to give birth and nurture their calves. Witnessing these gentle giants in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience.
Namibia (Lüderitz)
Best Time: July to November
Whale Species: Southern Right Whales
Lüderitz in Namibia offers excellent opportunities to spot Southern Right Whales. The best time to visit is from July to November when these massive creatures migrate to the nutrient-rich waters of the region. You can often see them close to the shore, making it a fantastic destination for land-based whale watching.
Kenya (Diani Beach)
Best Time: July to September
Whale Species: Humpback Whales
Diani Beach in Kenya is renowned for its beautiful coastline and vibrant marine life. The best time to visit Diani Beach for whale watching is from July to September when Humpback Whales pass by during their migration. Embark on a boat tour to witness these magnificent creatures breaching and displaying their acrobatic skills.
Best Time to Go Whale Watching in South America & Beyond
South America and neighboring Antarctica offer special and unique whale watching opportunities. Here is a look at what you can anticipate down south.
Ecuador (Galapagos Islands)
Best Time: June to September
Whale Species: Humpback whales
The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador are known for their remarkable marine life, including humpback whales. The best time to see these majestic creatures in the Galapagos is from June to September when they migrate to the region for breeding and calving. Whale watching tours are available from multiple islands within the Galapagos archipelago.
Ecuador (Puerto López)
Best Time: June to September
Whale Species: Humpback Whales
Puerto López in Ecuador is a top destination for Humpback Whale watching. The best time to visit is from June to September when these majestic creatures migrate from Antarctica to the warm waters of Ecuador’s coast to give birth and mate. Witness their impressive displays of breaching and tail-slapping.
Chile (Chiloé Island)
Best Time: December to March
Whale Species: Blue Whales, Humpback Whales, Orcas
Chiloé Island in Chile is a prime whale watching destination. The best time to visit is from December to March when Blue Whales, Humpback Whales, and Orcas can be seen in the waters surrounding the island. Witness the incredible sight of Blue Whales, the largest animals on Earth, gracefully swimming in their natural habitat.
Argentina (Puerto Madryn)
Best Time: June to December
Whale Species: Southern Right Whales, Orcas
Puerto Madryn in Argentina is famous for its Southern Right Whales. The best time to visit is from June to December when these gentle giants come to the Golfo Nuevo to breed and raise their young. Orcas are also frequently spotted in the area, creating thrilling encounters for whale enthusiasts.
Peru (Máncora)
Best Time: August to October
Whale Species: Humpback Whales
Máncora in Peru offers fantastic opportunities to observe Humpback Whales. The best time to visit is from August to October when these whales migrate to the area for breeding and calving. Enjoy boat tours that take you closer to these magnificent marine mammals as they engage in various behaviors, making it a memorable experience.
Antarctica Whale Watching
Best Time: December to March
Whale Species: Minke whales, Humpback whales, Orcas, Fin whales
Antarctica offers a unique and adventurous whale watching experience. The best time to go whale watching in Antarctica is during the Antarctic summer. The summer months run from December to March. During this period, the seas are relatively ice-free, and you can spot various whale species, including minke whales, humpback whales, orcas, and fin whales. Cruises and guided tours are available for this remarkable journey.
Best Time to Go Whale Watching in Asia
Asia is not typically identified as a whale-watching region of the world, however, there are excellent places to see whales. You should definitely add Asia and these destinations to your outdoor adventure’s bucket list. Here is a look at some of the more popular places and what to expect:
Japan (Ogasawara Islands)
Best Time: February to April
Whale Species: Humpback whales, Bryde’s whales, Orcas, Sperm whales
The Ogasawara Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer excellent whale-watching opportunities. The best time for whale watching in the Ogasawara Islands is from February to April. During this period, you can spot humpback whales, Bryde’s whales, orcas, and sperm whales. Whale-watching tours are available from Chichijima and Hahajima islands.
Taiwan (Hualien County)
Best Time: April to August
Whale Species: Blue whales, Bryde’s whales, Spinner dolphins, Pantropical spotted dolphins
Hualien County on the east coast of Taiwan is a popular whale-watching destination. The best time for whale watching in Hualien is from April to August. You can witness the magnificent blue whales, Bryde’s whales, spinner dolphins, and pantropical spotted dolphins during this period. Hualien offers stunning coastal landscapes as a backdrop for your whale-watching experience.
South Korea (Jeju Island)
Best Time: July to October
Whale Species: Minke whales, Orcas
Jeju Island in South Korea is a growing whale-watching destination. The best time for whale watching on Jeju Island is from July to October. During this period, you can spot minke whales and orcas. Guided tours are available, and you can enjoy picturesque views of the island’s coastline.
Philippines (Donsol, Sorsogon)
Best Time: November to June
Whale Species: Whale sharks
Donsol in the Philippines is famous for its whale shark encounters. The best time for whale shark watching in Donsol is from November to June. These gentle giants visit the area during this period, making it one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks. The peak season is from February to May.
Indonesia (Raja Ampat)
Best Time: October to April
Whale Species: Pygmy sperm whales, Melon-headed whales, Spinner dolphins
Raja Ampat in Indonesia offers unique opportunities for whale watching. The best time for whale watching in Raja Ampat is from October to April. You may encounter pygmy sperm whales, melon-headed whales, and spinner dolphins while exploring the pristine waters of this marine paradise.
Sri Lanka
Best Time: November to April (Western Coast), February to March (Eastern Coast)
Whale Species: Blue whales, Sperm whales, Spinner dolphins
Sri Lanka is known for its diverse marine life. The best time for whale watching on the western coast of Sri Lanka is from November to April, while on the eastern coast, it’s best to go between February and March. Blue whales, sperm whales, and spinner dolphins are commonly seen during these periods.
Best Time of Day to See Whales
The best time of day to see whales can vary depending on the species of whales you want to observe and the location of your whale-watching excursion. Generally, there are two preferred times of day for whale watching. Overall, the best time of day to see whales is during the morning hours and this is when most tours are offered. Here is a look at the two whale-watching tour options and why you might choose the time of day you go to see whales.
Morning:
Reasons: Mornings are often considered one of the best times for whale watching for several reasons:
- Calmer Seas: Early mornings typically have calmer sea conditions, making it easier to spot and follow whales.
- Feeding Activity: Many whale species, such as humpback whales and orcas, are more active in the morning as they feed.
- Good Visibility: The early morning sunlight provides excellent visibility, allowing you to see whales and their behaviors more clearly.
Best for: Humpback whales, orcas, and other whale species known for morning feeding.
Afternoon:
Reasons: Afternoons can also be a great time for whale watching, and here’s why:
- Warmer Temperatures: Afternoons are often warmer, providing a more comfortable experience for whale watchers.
- Increased Boat Availability: Afternoons are a popular time for whale-watching tours, with many operators offering afternoon trips.
- Cetacean Activity: Some whale species, like dolphins, may be more active in the afternoon and engage in playful behaviors.
Best for: Dolphins, late-rising whale species, and those looking for a more leisurely whale-watching experience.
It’s essential to note that different whale species may have their own peak activity times, which can vary by location. It is also important to remember that each whale or pod of whales can vary their activity any given day. Additionally, weather and sea conditions can play a significant role in determining the best time to go whale watching.
Here are a few additional considerations:
- Tides: Some locations have specific tide patterns that affect whale movement. Check with local experts or tour operators for tide-related information.
- Seasonal Variations: Whale behavior can change with the seasons. In some areas, like Alaska, whales may be more active during the summer months when they migrate to cooler waters to feed.
- Local Knowledge: Local whale-watching guides and experts have valuable insights into the best times and locations for whale encounters in their region. They can provide real-time information and increase your chances of a successful sighting.
Closing
Ultimately, the best time of day to see whales can vary depending on your location, the species you want to observe, and local conditions. It’s a good idea to research specific whale-watching destinations and consult with local experts or tour operators for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Remember that the timing for whale watching can vary from year to year due to natural factors. Always check with local tour operators or experts for the most current and accurate information before planning your whale watching adventure in these destinations.
